Electronic cigarette and method thereof

ABSTRACT

An electronic cigarette and a method of controlling the electronic cigarette are disclosed, the electronic cigarette includes a controller; and at least one air pressure sensor coupled with the controller; the at least one air pressure sensor is configured for detecting a first air pressure in an air flow path of the electronic cigarette and a second air pressure of an ambient atmosphere where the electronic cigarette is located, and sending the first air pressure and the second air pressure to the controller; the controller is configured for receiving the second air pressure and the first air pressure and controlling an atomizer to be on or off based on a pressure differential between the first air pressure and the second air pressure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Chinese Patent ApplicationCN201810639825.6 filed on Jun. 20, 2018 and Chinese Patent ApplicationCN201811329295.1 filed on Nov. 9, 2018, which are hereby incorporated byreference herein as if set forth in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of cigarette articles, andparticularly, to an electronic cigarette.

BACKGROUND ART

An electronic cigarette as an electronic product simulating traditionalcigarettes has a same appearance, aerosol, taste and feeling with thereal cigarettes. By relying on vaporization of tobacco liquid, thetobacco liquid containing nicotine etc. becomes an aerosol drawn by theuser later on. Since the electronic cigarette is portable, immune fromopen flames and environmental friendly, the electronic cigaretteattracts an abundance of smokers.

The electronic cigarette generally includes an atomizer, a power supplyset and a control unit, the atomizer heats the tobacco liquid uponprovided with electricity, to generate an aerosol for users to draw out.The power supply set is configured for supplying power to the atomizer,the control unit is configured for controlling on or off state of theatomizer. The prior art control unit in the electronic cigaretteincludes a button pressed type and an induction auto-start type.Currently, the induction auto-start electronic cigarette takesincreasingly high market share.

For the induction auto-start electronic cigarette, the control unitthereof generally includes a controller and a sensor. An elasticmembrane is installed in the sensor, one side of the elastic membrane isin communication with an air flow path in the electronic cigarette, anopposite side of the elastic membrane is in communication with ambientatmosphere, when the user puffs on the electronic cigarette, an airpressure within the air flow path is lower than that of the ambientatmosphere, enabling the side of the elastic membrane in communicationwith ambient atmosphere suffers greater pressure than the opposite sidethereof in communication with the air flow path of the electroniccigarette, as a result, the elastic membrane elastically deforms causinga capacitance of the sensor to be changed, as well the changed signal issent to the controller. The controller controls the atomizer to start.

However, when the leaking tobacco liquid stored in the atomizer orcondensed aerosol reach the sensor, the capacitance of the sensor may bechanged, enabling the controller to control the start-up of theatomizer, that is, the electronic cigarette is initiated automatically.

SUMMARY

To overcome the above drawbacks, the present disclosure generallyrelates to an electronic cigarette, which avoids leaking tobacco liquidor condensed aerosol to reach the sensor causing the electroniccigarette is initiated automatically.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an electroniccigarette is disclosed including a controller and at least one airpressure sensor coupled with the controller;

the at least one air pressure sensor configured for detecting a firstair pressure within an air flow path of the electronic cigarette and asecond air pressure in the ambient atmosphere where the electroniccigarette is located, and sending the first air pressure and the secondair pressure to the controller;

the controller configured for receiving the second air pressure and thefirst air pressure and controlling an atomizer to be on/off based on apressure differential between the second air pressure and the first airpressure;

As used herein, the electronic cigarette includes a first air pressuresensor and a second air pressure sensor respectively coupled with thecontroller;

the first air pressure sensor being arranged within an air flow path ofthe electronic cigarette and configured for detecting a first airpressure within the air flow path and sending the first air pressure tothe controller;

the second air pressure sensor arranged at a position that is incommunication with ambient atmosphere, and configured for detecting asecond air pressure of the ambient atmosphere and sending the second airpressure to the controller;

Optionally, the electronic cigarette includes one air pressure sensorcoupled with the controller, the air pressure sensor includes a firstchannel and a second channel, a first sensing surface arranged withinthe first channel and a second sensing surface arranged within thesecond channel;

the first channel in communication with an air flow path of theelectronic cigarette such that the first sensing surface contactsairflow in the air flow path to detect the first air pressure; thesecond channel in communication with ambient atmosphere of theelectronic cigarette such that the second sensing surface contacts theambient atmosphere of the electronic cigarette to detect the second airpressure.

As used herein, the controller includes a threshold value, configuredas: when the pressure differential is larger than the threshold valuecontrolling the atomizer to be initiated, and when the pressuredifferential is less than or equal to the threshold value controllingthe atomizer not to be initiated or to be closed.

As used herein, the electronic cigarette further includes a powercontrol circuit coupled with the controller; when the atomizer isinitiated, the controller defines a real-time output power correspondingto the detected pressure differential according to a correspondingrelationship between the pressure differentials and the real-time outputpowers, and sending an instruction to the power control circuit,afterwards the power control circuit in response to the instructionoutputs the real-time output power to the atomizer.

As used herein, in the corresponding relationship between pressuredifferentials and output powers, the greater pressure differential iscorresponding to the greater real-time output power.

As used herein, the pressure differential is equal to that the secondair pressure deducts the first air pressure; the controller isconfigured as: when the pressure differential is more than zero,determining an airflow in the air flow path is flowing outside from anaerosol outlet with consequently controlling the atomizer to beinitiated; when the pressure differential is less than zero, determiningan airflow in the air flow path is flowing inside from the aerosoloutlet with consequently controlling the atomizer not to be initiated orto be closed.

Optionally, the air pressure sensor including a first measuring membraneand a second measuring membrane; a chamber formed between the firstmeasuring membrane and the second measuring membrane; the first sensingsurface arranged on a first side of the first measuring membrane outsidethe chamber; the second sensing arranged on a second side of the secondmeasuring membrane outside the chamber.

As used herein, the electronic cigarette further includes a power supplyset having a rechargeable battery and a power reminder unit coupled withthe controller; when the rechargeable battery runs out of charge, thepower reminder unit is capable of reminding for supplying power to therechargeable battery.

As used herein, the power reminder unit is an indicator light, when therechargeable battery runs at different reminding capacities, thecontroller is capable of controlling the indicator light to generatedifferent colors.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electroniccigarette, the electronic cigarette includes a controller; one airpressure sensor coupled with the controller; the air pressure sensorcomprising a first channel, a second channel, a first sensing surfacearranged within the first channel and a second sensing surface arrangedwithin the second channel;

the first channel in communication with the air flow path, enabling thefirst sensing surface to contact an airflow in the air flow path via thefirst channel, to detect the first air pressure in the air flow path;the second channel in communication with the ambient atmosphere of theelectronic cigarette, enabling the second sensing surface to contact theambient atmosphere of the electronic cigarette via the second channel,to detect the second air pressure in the ambient atmosphere; and

the air pressure sensor feeding back the pressure differential betweenthe second air pressure and the first air pressure to the controller;the controller capable of controlling on/off state of the atomizeraccording to the pressure differential

As used herein, the air pressure sensor includes a measuring membrane,the first sensing surface and the second sensing surface arerespectively disposed at two sides of the measuring membrane; axes ofthe first channel and the second channel are both perpendicular to apanel surface of the measuring membrane.

A method is disclosed by the present disclosure, the method includes:detecting a first air pressure in an air flow path of an electroniccigarette via a first air pressure sensor; detecting a second airpressure in an ambient atmosphere of the electronic cigarette via asecond air pressure sensor; as used herein, the first air pressuresensor is arranged in the air flow path of the electronic cigarette; thesecond air pressure sensor is arranged in a position of the electroniccigarette where is in communication with the ambient atmosphere;

determining whether the pressure differential of the second air pressurededucting the first air pressure is greater than zero;

if the pressure differential is greater than zero, further determiningwhether the pressure differential is greater than a preset thresholdvalue;

if the pressure differential is greater than the preset threshold value,initiating the atomizer in the electronic cigarette;

if the pressure differential is less than zero, or the pressuredifferential is more than zero, less than or equal to the presetthreshold value, failing to initiate or closing the atomizer in theelectronic cigarette.

Optionally, after a step of if the pressure differential is greater thanthe preset threshold value, initiating the atomizer in the electroniccigarette, the method further includes:

after initiating the atomizer, determining a real-time output powerbased on the detected pressure differential according to a correspondingrelationship between stored pressure differentials and the outputpowers;

outputting the real-time output power that is corresponding to thepressure differential to the atomizer, such that the atomizer generatesa certain amount of aerosol that is corresponding to the real-timeoutput power.

Compared to the prior art, the air pressure sensor in the presentdisclosure is provided with a first sensing surface and a second sensingsurface, by relying on the first sensing surface detecting a first airpressure in the air flow path, by replying on the second sensing surfacedetecting a second air pressure in the ambient atmosphere; thecontroller receives the first air pressure and the second air pressure,further controls the atomizer to be initiated or be closed according toa pressure differential that equals to the second air pressure deductsthe first air pressure, which avoids the leaking tobacco liquid orcondensed aerosol to reach the air pressure sensor causing theelectronic cigarette to be initiated automatically, ensuring a good userexperience.

Advantages of the present disclosure is, the electronic cigarette in thepresent disclosure includes a controller, a first air pressure and asecond air pressure that are both coupled with the controller. As usedherein, the second air pressure sensor is arranged at a position of theelectronic cigarette where is in communication with ambient atmosphere,configured to detect a second air pressure, further sending the secondair pressure to the controller; the first air pressure sensor isarranged in the air flow path of the electronic cigarette to detect thefirst air pressure in the air flow path and sending the first airpressure to the controller. The controller is configured to control thestart or close of the atomizer according to the pressure differentialbetween the second air pressure and the first air pressure. Since thecontroller controls the start or close of the atomizer according to thepressure differential, which is the second air pressure deducts thefirst air pressure, the pressure differential is consistent andcontrollable, can't be affected by the tobacco liquid or condensedaerosol. In this way, the sensibility of the electronic cigarette isconsistent and reliable, without false triggering or out of service.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood withreference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed uponclearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover,in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the electronic cigarette according to afirst embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronic cigarette according to afirst embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette accordingto a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flow chat of the electronic cigarette according toembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette accordingto a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the electronic cigarette according toembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates the electronic cigarette according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the electronic cigarette according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the electronic cigarette according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a flow chat of the control method for the electroniccigarette according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Numerals indicating components are illustrated herein:

Electronic Atomizer 1 Air flow Aerosol cigarette 100 path 10 outlet 11Air inlet 12 Cartridge 13 Power supply Controller 3 set 2 Air pressureFirst sensing Second A first sensor 4 surface 41 sensing channel 43surface 42 A second Measuring First Second channel 44 membrane 45measuring measuring membrane 46 membrane 47 Chamber 48 Power reminderPower control unit 6 unit 5 Battery management circuit 7

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein are an electronic cigarette simulating traditionalcigarette in same appearance and same taste. By replying on atomization,the tobacco liquid containing nicotine is vaporized as an aerosol drawnby the users.

In general, the electronic cigarette mainly includes a reservoir forholding nicotine solution, a vapor (atomizer) and a power supply set.Upon the atomizer is supplied with electricity the nicotine solution inthe reservoir is transformed to an aerosol. In the prior art, by usingan airflow sensor to initiate the atomizer, once the user puffs on/drawsthe electronic cigarette, the power supply set starts to work supplyingpower to the atomizer. In other cases, the user can push a button to letthe power supply set supply power to the atomizer, then the user candraw smoking. The airflow sensor mostly adopts an inductive airflowsensor which is more convenient to use but has inconsistent sensibility,not easy to control, can't ensure the consistency of the electroniccigarette, once the tobacco liquid and condensed aerosol/water reach it,it is easy to cause false triggering or out of work, which affects theuser experience.

Embodiment One

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, which are block diagrams of theelectronic cigarette 100. The electronic cigarette 100 mainly includesan atomizer 1, a power supply set 2, a controller 3, an air pressuresensor 4, a power reminder unit 5, a power control circuit 6 and abattery management circuit 7.

The atomizer 1 is configured to hold tobacco liquid, the atomizer 1 hasa cartridge for heating the tobacco liquid to generate an aerosol drawnby the user directly. Upon the cartridge is provided with electricity,the electronic cigarette 100 has an air inlet 12, an aerosol outlet 11and an air flow path 10 linking the air inlet 12 and the aerosol outlet11 in a mouthpiece of the cartridge. When the user puffs on theelectronic cigarette via the aerosol outlet 11 in the mouthpiece, theaerosol generated by the cartridge is flowing through the air flow path10, the aerosol outlet 11 to the user's mouth or nasal cavity.

The power supply set 2 is mainly configured for supplying power to thecartridge 13 in the atomizer 1. The power supply set 2 adopts arechargeable batteries, the electronic cigarette 100 has a charginginterface via which the rechargeable batteries may be charged.

The controller 3 is respectively coupled with the atomizer 1 and thepower supply set 2. By receiving signals transferred from the airpressure sensor 4, the controller 3 controls the cartridge 13 to beinitiated or closed, that is to control the atomizer 1 to be initiatedor closed is realized.

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the air pressure sensor 4 includes a firstmeasuring membrane 46 and a second measuring membrane 47, a panelsurface of the first measuring membrane 46 is perpendicular to the panelsurface of the second measuring membrane 47. The first measuringmembrane 46 and the second measuring membrane 47 encompasses a chamber48 that is closed, that is, the chamber 48 can't be in communicationwith the ambient atmosphere. The first sensing surface 41 is disposed ona side of the first measuring membrane 46 in which the side thereof isoutside the chamber 48, the second sensing surface 42 is disposed on aside of the second measuring membrane 47 in which the side thereof isoutside the chamber 48.

The air pressure sensor 4 is provided with a first channel 43 and asecond channel 44, the first channel 43 is in communication with the airflow path 10, the first sensing surface 41 is in contact with theairflow in the air flow path 10 via the first channel 43 to detect thefirst air pressure in the air flow path 10 and sending the first airpressure to the controller 3. The second channel 44 is in communicationwith the ambient atmosphere of the electronic cigarette 100, allowingthe second sensing surface 42 to contact with the ambient atmosphere viathe second channel 44, so as to detect the second pressure, further sendthe second pressure to the controller 3. The axis of the first channel43 is perpendicular to the panel surface of the first measuring membrane46, the axis of the second channel 44 is perpendicular to the panelsurface of the second measuring membrane 47.

Understandable, in other embodiments, the axis of the first channel 43is also perpendicular to the axis of the second channel 44.

The controller 3 is configured for receiving the first air pressure andthe second air pressure, and controlling the on/off state of theatomizer 1 according to the first air pressure and the second airpressure. More specifically, the controller 3 has a preset thresholdvalue, when the user puffs on the aerosol outlet 11 of the atomizer 1,the air pressure in the air flow path 10 is basically the same as theambient atmosphere, which is the first air pressure is equal to thesecond air pressure. When the user puffs on the aerosol outlet 11 of theatomizer 1, the air in the air flow path 10 is quickly expelled tooutside of the atomizer 1 via the aerosol outlet 11, such that the airpressure in the air flow path 10 descends sharply, that is the first airpressure is less than the second air pressure, the controller 3 controlsthe cartridge 13 to be electrically conducted with the rechargeablebattery, the cartridge 13 is powered on to heat the tobacco liquid, soas to generate an aerosol drawn by the user directly.

Understandable, to avoid the electronic cigarette 100 creating a greatdisturbance in the transport, carriage or other circumstances, the firstair pressure in the air flow path 10 is less than the second airpressure in the ambient atmosphere, so that the electronic cigarette 100is abnormally initiated. Therefore, a threshold value is defined in thecontrol method, when the pressure differential equal to the second airpressure deducting the first air pressure is greater than the thresholdvalue, the cartridge 13 starts to be powered on to generate heat, whenthe pressure differential is less than or equal to the threshold value,the controller 3 controls the atomizer 1 not to be initiated or to beclosed.

Understandable, the above pressure differential and the threshold valueare all positive.

Understandable, when the first air pressure is greater than the secondair pressure, the controller 3 controls the atomizer 1 not to beinitiated or to be closed. In this circumstance, the user blows theelectronic cigarette via the aerosol outlet 11, the controller 3 iscapable of determining air is blowing into the air flow path 10 of theelectronic cigarette 100.

The power control circuit 6 is coupled with the controller 3. Accordingto the pressure differential between the second air pressure and thefirst air pressure, the power control circuit 6 is capable ofdetermining a real-time output power. The controller 3 givesinstructions to the power control circuit 6, the power control circuit 6in response to the instructions outputs a real-time output power to theatomizer 1.

Understandable, a greater pressure differential between the second airpressure and the first air pressure is corresponding to a greater outputpower. If the user tries harder to puff on the electronic cigarette, theair pressure in the air flow path 10 descends more sharply so thepressure differential is bigger, that means, the user needs more aerosolwhich is more satisfying. In this case, the controller 3 controls thebatteries to output greater output power, thus making the cartridge 13generate more aerosol.

The battery management circuit 7 is coupled with the controller 3, forexample, in a process of charging the rechargeable battery, when theremaining capacity of the rechargeable battery is lower than a thresholdvalue, like when the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery isless than 60%, it is available to charge the rechargeable batteriesquickly so as to save the charging time. The controller 3 is capable ofsending some instructions to the battery management circuit 7. Thebattery management circuit 7 in response to the instructions controlsthe power supply set of the electronic cigarette 100.

The battery reminder unit 5 is coupled with the controller 3 forreceiving different instructions from the controller 3 and thenresponding to such instructions. More specifically, the battery reminderunit 5 is an indicating light. When the capacity of the rechargeablebatteries is at different levels, the controller 3 controls theindicating light to generate light of different colors. Morespecifically, when the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery isless than 10%, the indicating light generates red light illustrating thecapacity of the batteries is depleted. When the remaining capacity ofthe rechargeable battery is in a range of 10%-30%, the indicating lightgenerates orange light. When the remaining capacity of the rechargeablebattery is in a range of 30%-90%, the indicating light generates yellowlight. When the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery is morethan 90%, the indicating light generates green light. Based on light ofdifferent colors, it is available to obtain remaining capacities of therechargeable batteries.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the user puffs on the mouth piece of theelectronic cigarette 100, the first sensing surface 41 of the airpressure sensor 4 detects the first air pressure in the air flow path10, the second sensing surface 42 detects the second air pressure in theambient atmosphere. The controller 3 receives the first air pressure andthe second air pressure, comparing the pressure differential between thesecond air pressure and the first air pressure to the threshold value.If the pressure differential is greater than the threshold value, thecontroller 3 initiates the atomizer 1 and then compares the thresholdvalue to the output power. According to the corresponding relationshipbetween the pressure differential and the output power, the controller 3controls the atomizer 1 to output the real-time output powercorresponding to the pressure differential. If the pressure differentialis less than the preset pressure differential in the controller 3, thecontroller 3 controls the atomizer 1 not to be initiated or to beclosed.

The air pressure sensor 4 in the present disclosure has a first sensingsurface 41 and a second sensing surface 42. By means of the firstsensing surface 41 detecting the first air pressure in the air flow path10 and the second sensing surface 42 detecting the second air pressurein the ambient atmosphere. The controller 3 receives the first airpressure and the second air pressure, to control the on/off state of theatomizer 1 based on the pressure differential there-between, avoidingthat the leaking tobacco liquid or condensed aerosol to reach the airpressure sensor 4 causing the electronic cigarette 100 is initiatedautomatically, therefore ensuring good user experience.

As described above, according to the detected pressure differentialbetween the second air pressure and the firs air pressure, and a storedcorresponding relationship between the pressure differentials and theoutput powers, a real-time output power corresponding to the detectedpressure differential is determined. The controller 3 gives aninstruction to the power control circuit 6, further the power controlcircuit 6 in response to the instruction outputs the real-time outputpower to the atomizer 1. As used herein, the greater pressuredifferential is corresponding to greater output power, so the electroniccigarette generates more amount of aerosol ensuring the user to get morehighly satisfied.

Embodiment Two

As shown in FIG. 5, a block diagram of the electronic cigarette 100according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The maindifferential compared to the embodiment 1, the air pressure sensor 4 inthe electronic cigarette 100 has a measuring membrane 45, one sidethereof has a first sensing surface 41, and the opposite side thereofhas a second sensing surface 42. In some embodiments, a top side of themeasuring membrane 45 has a first sensing surface 41, the opposite sidethereof has a second sensing surface 42.

The air pressure sensor 4 has a first channel 43 and a second channel44. The first channel 43 is in communication with the air flow path 10,making the first sensing surface 41 available of contacting the airflowin the air flow path 10 to detect the first air pressure in the air flowpath 10. The second channel 44 is in communication with the ambientatmosphere of the electronic cigarette 100, making the second sensingsurface 42 available of contacting the ambient atmosphere of theelectronic cigarette 100 to detect the second air pressure in theambient atmosphere. The air pressure sensor 4 feeds back the pressuredifferential between the second air pressure and the first air pressureto the controller 3, thus the controller 3 controls on/off of theatomizer 1 based on the pressure differential. The axis of the firstchannel 43 is perpendicular to the panel surface of the measuringmembrane 45, the axis of the second channel 44 is perpendicular to thepanel surface of the measuring membrane 45.

Understandable, in other embodiments, the first sensing surface 41 is incommunication with the ambient atmosphere to detect the air pressure inthe atmosphere. The second sensing surface 42 is in communication withthe air flow path 10 to detect the air pressure in the air flow path 10.

In the embodiment, the controller 3 receives the pressure differentialbetween the second air pressure and the first air pressure transmittedfrom the air pressure sensor 4. And the controller 3 compares thepressure differential with the preset threshold vale arranged in thecontroller 3, if the pressure differential is greater than the thresholdvalue, the controller 3 controls the atomizer 1 to be initiated; if thepressure differential is less than or equal to the threshold value, thecontroller 3 controls the atomizer 1 not to be initiated or to beclosed.

Embodiment Three

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, which illustrate the electronic cigarette inaccordance with two embodiments of the present disclosure. Theelectronic cigarette 100 a includes a controller 1 a, a second airpressure sensor 2 a and a first air pressure sensor 3 a.

In the present application, the second air pressure sensor 2 a and thefirst air pressure sensor 3 a are respectively coupled with thecontroller 1 a. The second air pressure sensor 2 a is disposed in theelectronic cigarette 100 a where is in communication with the ambientatmosphere to detect the second air pressure in the ambient atmosphereso as to transmit the second air pressure to the controller 1 a. Ifapplicable, the second air pressure sensor 2 a on PCBA (which is anabbreviation of “printed circuit board assembly”) is positioned near anair inlet. The first air pressure sensor 3 a is disposed in the air flowpath 4 a of the electronic cigarette 100 a to detect the first airpressure in the air flow path 4 a and transmit the first air pressure tothe controller 1 a. If applicable, the first air pressure sensor 3 a isone PCBA is positioned within the air flow path 4 a. As described above,the controller 1 a is configured for controlling the atomizer 5 a in theelectronic cigarette 100 a to be initiated or closed.

In general, the air pressure sensor is an apparatus/device capable ofmonitoring signals of air pressure and regularly transforming thesignals of air pressure to usable electrical signals that are outputtedeventually. The second air pressure sensor 2 a is configured to detectthe second air pressure in the ambient atmosphere, thus the second airpressure sensor 2 a is disposed at position A where is in communicationwith ambient atmosphere. The first air pressure sensor 3 a is configuredto detect the first air pressure in the air flow path 4 a thus the firstair pressure sensor 3 a is disposed within the air flow path 4 a. Thepressure differential between the second air pressure and the first airpressure is represented the air pressure in ambient atmosphere deductingthe air pressure in the air flow path 4 a. Without any ambient forces,the second air pressure in the ambient atmosphere is basically the sameas the first air pressure in the air flow path 4 a, the differential iszero. When the pressure differential is more than zero, it indicates thesecond air pressure isn't the same as the first air pressure. In thiscase, given that a force with a positive or negative direction isapplied to electronic cigarette 100 a during users draw or blow themouthpiece, when users draw, the force is positive, when users blow, theforce is negative. When the second air pressure in the ambientatmosphere is greater than the first air pressure in the air flow path 4a, that is the pressure differential is greater than zero, it indicatesthe force is positive since the user is drawing the mouthpiece. When thesecond air pressure in the ambient atmosphere is less than the first airpressure in the air flow path 4 a, that is the pressure differential isless than zero, it indicates the force is negative since the user isblowing air into the mouthpiece. As a result, the atomizer 5 a iscontrolled by the controller 1 a to be initiated or closed.

Basically, the pressure differential between the air pressure near theair inlet in the air flow path 4 a and the other air pressure near in aposition near the mouthpiece 9 a in the air flow path 4 a may accuratelyillustrate whether the user is drawing or blowing air from theelectronic cigarette. In some embodiments, if applicable, the second airpressure sensor 2 a is disposed at the position A1 near the air inletand the first air pressure sensor 3 a is at the position B disposed nearthe mouthpiece 9 a.

In other embodiments, if applicable, the second air pressure sensor 2 ais disposed at the position A1 near the air inlet and the first airpressure sensor 3 a is at the position C disposed near the atomizer 5 a.

The electronic cigarette of the present disclosure has a controller 1 a,a second air pressure sensor 2 a and a first air pressure sensor 3 a. Asused herein, the second air pressure sensor 2 a is disposed in theelectronic cigarette 100 a where is in communication with the ambientatmosphere, configured to detect a second air pressure in the ambientatmosphere and further to transmit the second air pressure to thecontroller 1 a. The first air pressure 3 a is disposed in the air flowpath 4 a of the electronic cigarette 100 a to detect the first airpressure in the air flow path 4 a and further to transmit the first airpressure to the controller 1 a. The controller 1 a is configured forreceiving the pressure differential between the second air pressure andthe first air pressure and further controlling the on/off state of theatomizer 5 a in the electronic cigarette 100 a. Since the controller 1 ain the electronic cigarette 100 a controls the on/off state of theatomizer 5 a according to the pressure differential there-between, thepressure differential may be consistent and controllable, not to beaffected by the leaking tobacco liquid or condensed aerosol. By relyingon this, the electronic cigarette 100 a has a consistent sensibility andhigh reliability without false triggering or out of work.

In some embodiments, the controller 1 a stores the preset thresholdvalue. The controller 1 a is configured as when the pressuredifferential is more than zero or more than a preset pressuredifferential, controlling the atomizer 5 a to be initiated; when thepressure differential is equal to or less than the preset pressuredifferential, controlling the atomizer 5 a not to be initiated or to beclosed. Since the pressure differential between the second air pressureand the first air pressure has a deviation, for further making theatomizer 5 a available for satisfying users' smoking demand. In theembodiment, a preset threshold value is provided beforehand, only whenthe pressure differential is greater than the threshold value, theatomizer 5 a is initiated; when the pressure differential is equal to orless than the preset pressure differential, the atomizer 5 a iscontrolled not to be initiated or to be closed, therefore avoidingdeviation of the pressure differential to cause false triggering of theatomizer 5 a.

The second air pressure is a real-time value detected in the ambientatmosphere; the first air pressure is real-time value detected in theair flow path, thus the pressure differential is a real-time value thatmay control the on/off state of the atomizer 5 a immediately. Thatmeans, the controller 1 a controls the atomizer 5 a in the electroniccigarette 100 a to be initiated or to be closed according to thepressure differential and the preset threshold value.

In some embodiments, the output power of the power supply set may beadjusted according to the pressure differential, thus the amount ofaerosol may be adjusted. With reference to FIG. 8, the electroniccigarette 100 a further includes a power control unit 6 a coupled withthe controller 1 a. When the atomizer 5 a is initiated, the controller 1a determines the real-time output power corresponding to the real-timedetected pressure differential according to corresponding relationshipbetween the pressure differentials and output powers, afterwards, thecontroller 1 a transmits a first instruction to the power controlcircuit 6 a, then the power control circuit 6 a in response to the firstinstruction outputs real-time output power to the atomizer 5 a,therefore the atomizer 5 a generates a certain amount of aerosol that iscorresponding to the real-time output power.

In the embodiment, during the invention process by the inventor, thecorresponding relationship between the pressure differentials and theoutput powers, and the corresponding relationship between the outputpowers and the certain amount of aerosol are determined beforehand. Inthis case, the real-time output power may be determined according to thereal-time detected pressure differential, the controller 1 a transmitsthe first instruction to the power control circuit 6 a. The powercontrol circuit 6 a in response to the first instruction outputs thereal-time output power corresponding to the pressure differential,therefore the atomizer 5 a may generate a certain amount of aerosolcorresponding to the real-time output power.

For instance, above corresponding relationships hereto are determiningbeforehand: when 3 to 4 units of pressure differentials generated, 2 to3 units of output powers outputted accordingly; when 5 to 6 units ofpressure differentials generated, 4 to 5 units of output powersoutputted accordingly; when 7 to 8 units of pressure differentialsgenerated, 6 to 7 units of output powers outputted accordingly; when 9to 10 units of pressure differentials, 8 to 9 units of output powersoutputted accordingly. If the real-time detected pressure differentialsare 4 units, 3 units of output powers are outputted accordingly. And ifthe real-time detected pressure differentials are 7 units, 6 units ofoutput powers are outputted accordingly, and so on.

Furthermore, in the corresponding relationship there-between, thegreater pressure differential is corresponding to a greater outputpower, that means, a more amount of aerosol are generated by theatomizer, which may simulate and satisfy the user's actual demands forsmoking, and user experience is improved.

In an embodiment, the electronic cigarette also may judge whether theuser is drawing or blowing the electronic cigarette, which is beneficialfor accurately controlling the on or off state of the atomizer. Morespecifically, the pressure differential is that the second air pressurededucts the first air pressure. The controller 1 a is arranged as whenthe pressure differential is greater than zero, determining thedirection of air flowing in the air flow path 4 a is towards themouthpiece, that is drawing the electronic cigarette, the atomizer 5 ais initiated accordingly; when the pressure differential is less thanzero, determining the direction of air flowing in the air flow path 4 ais departing the mouthpiece, that is blowing the electronic cigarette,the atomizer 5 a is not initiated or closed.

As shown in FIG. 9, in an embodiment, the electronic cigarette 100 afurther includes a battery management circuit 8 a coupled with thecontroller 1 a, the controller 1 a is further configured fortransmitting a second instruction to the battery management circuit 8 a.The battery management circuit 8 responses to the second instruction tomanage the power supply set 7 a in electronic cigarette 100 a.

Furthermore, the battery management circuit 8 a is configured for chargemanagement, discharge management and security monitoring and managementon the power supply set 7 a in the electronic cigarette 100 a. In thisembodiment, the power supply set 7 a is a lithium-battery.

Referring to FIG. 10, which is a flow chat of the control method for theelectronic cigarette according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The control method is applied to the electronic cigarette asdescribed above and relative content can be referred to the abovedescription, not to state again. The control method includes:

S101: detecting the second air pressure in the ambient atmosphere of theelectronic cigarette via the second air pressure sensor, detecting thefirst air pressure in the air flow path of the electronic cigarette; asused herein, the second air pressure sensor is disposed in theelectronic cigarette where is in communication with the ambientatmosphere and the first air pressure is disposed in the air flow pathof the electronic cigarette.

S102: detecting whether the pressure differential equal to the secondair pressure deducting the first air pressure is greater than zero;

S103: If the pressure differential is greater than zero, next detectingwhere the pressure differential is greater than a preset thresholdvalue;

S104: If the pressure differential is greater than the threshold value,initiating the atomizer of the electronic cigarette;

S105: If the pressure differential is less than the threshold value orthe pressure differential is greater than zero, and less than or equalto threshold value, not to initiate or closing the atomizer.

Furthermore, after the S104, the method further includes

S106: after initiating the atomizer, determining a real-time outputpower corresponding to the real-time detected pressure differentialaccording to the detected pressure differential and correspondingrelationship between pressure differentials and output powers.

S107: outputting a real-time output power to the atomizer according tothe detected pressure differential.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are intended toillustrate rather than limit the disclosure. Variations may be made tothe embodiments and methods without departing from the spirit of thedisclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims beconstrued broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic cigarette comprising: a controller;and at least one air pressure sensor coupled with the controller;wherein the at least one air pressure sensor is configured for detectinga first air pressure in an air flow path of the electronic cigarette anda second air pressure of an ambient atmosphere where the electroniccigarette is located, and sending the first air pressure and the secondair pressure to the controller; the controller is configured forreceiving the second air pressure and the first air pressure andcontrolling an atomizer to be on or off based on a pressure differentialbetween the first air pressure and the second air pressure.
 2. Theelectronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the electroniccigarette comprises a first air pressure sensor and a second airpressure sensor respectively coupled with the controller; the first airpressure sensor is arranged within an air flow path of the electroniccigarette, and is configured for detecting a first air pressure in theair flow path and sending the first air pressure to the controller; thesecond air pressure sensor is arranged at a position that is incommunication with an ambient atmosphere, and is configured fordetecting a second air pressure of the ambient atmosphere and sendingthe second air pressure to the controller.
 3. The electronic cigaretteaccording to claim 1, wherein the electronic cigarette comprises one airpressure sensor coupled with the controller; the air pressure sensorcomprises a first channel, a second channel, a first sensing surfacearranged within the first channel and a second sensing surface arrangedwithin the second channel; wherein the first channel in communicationwith an air flow path of the electronic cigarette such that the firstsensing surface contacts an airflow in the air flow path to detect thefirst air pressure; the second channel in communication with an ambientatmosphere of the electronic cigarette such that the second sensingsurface contacts the ambient atmosphere to detect the second airpressure.
 4. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein thecontroller is provided with a threshold value; the controller isconfigured as: when the pressure differential is greater than thethreshold value controlling the atomizer to be initiated, and when thepressure differential is less than or equal to the threshold valuecontrolling the atomizer not to be initiated or to be closed.
 5. Theelectronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the electroniccigarette further comprises a power control circuit coupled with thecontroller; when the atomizer is initiated, the controller selects areal-time output power corresponding to the detected pressuredifferential according to a corresponding relationship between pressuredifferentials and real-time output powers, and sending an instruction tothe power control circuit, afterwards the power control circuit inresponse to the instruction outputs the real-time output power to theatomizer.
 6. The electronic cigarette according to claim 5, wherein, inthe corresponding relationship between the pressure differentials andthe real-time output powers, the greater pressure differential iscorresponding to the greater real-time output power.
 7. The electroniccigarette according to claim 1, wherein the pressure differential isequal to that the second air pressure deducts the first air pressure;the controller is configured as: when the pressure differential is morethan zero, determining the airflow in the air flow path is flowingoutside from an aerosol outlet with consequently controlling theatomizer to be initiated; when the pressure differential is less thanzero, determining the airflow in the air flow path is flowing insidefrom the aerosol outlet with consequently controlling the atomizer notto be initiated or to be closed.
 8. The electronic cigarette accordingto claim 3, wherein the air pressure sensor comprises a first measuringmembrane and a second measuring membrane; a chamber is formed betweenthe first measuring membrane and the second measuring membrane; thefirst sensing surface is arranged on a first side of the first measuringmembrane outside the chamber; the second sensing is arranged on a secondside of the second measuring membrane outside the chamber.
 9. Theelectronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein further comprising: apower supply set having a rechargeable battery; and a power reminderunit coupled with the controller; when the rechargeable battery runs outof charge, the power reminder unit is capable of reminding to supplypower to the rechargeable battery.
 10. The electronic cigaretteaccording to claim 9, wherein the power reminder unit is an indicatorlight; when the rechargeable battery runs at different remindingcapacities, the controller is capable of controlling the indicator lightto generate different colors.
 11. An electronic cigarette comprising: acontroller; an air pressure sensor coupled with the controller; the airpressure sensor comprising a first channel, a second channel, a firstsensing surface arranged within the first channel and a second sensingsurface arranged within the second channel; the first channel being incommunication with the air flow path, so that the first sensing surfaceis capable of detecting a first air pressure of the air flow path; thesecond channel being in communication with an ambient atmosphere of theelectronic cigarette, so that the second sensing surface is capable ofdetecting a second air pressure of the ambient atmosphere; and the airpressure sensor being configured for feeding back the pressuredifferential between the second air pressure and the first air pressureto the controller; the controller capable of controlling an on or offstate of the atomizer according to the pressure differential.
 12. Theelectronic cigarette according to claim 11, wherein the air pressuresensor comprises a measuring membrane; the first sensing surface and thesecond sensing surface are respectively disposed at two sides of themeasuring membrane; axes of the first channel and the second channel areboth perpendicular to a panel surface of the measuring membrane.
 13. Amethod of controlling an electronic cigarette, wherein detecting a firstair pressure in an air flow path of an electronic cigarette via a firstair pressure sensor; detecting a second air pressure in an ambientatmosphere of the electronic cigarette via a second air pressure sensor;wherein the first air pressure sensor is arranged in the air flow pathof the electronic cigarette; the second air pressure sensor is arrangedin a position of the electronic cigarette where is in communication withthe ambient atmosphere; determining whether the pressure differential ofthe second air pressure deducting the first air pressure is greater thanzero; if the pressure differential is greater than zero, furtherdetermining whether the pressure differential is greater than a presetthreshold value; if the pressure differential is greater than the presetthreshold value, initiating the atomizer in the electronic cigarette; ifthe pressure differential is less than zero, or the pressuredifferential is more than zero, less than or equal to the presetthreshold value, not to initiate or closing the atomizer in theelectronic cigarette.
 14. The method of controlling an electroniccigarette according to claim 13, wherein after a step of if the pressuredifferential is greater than the preset threshold value, initiating theatomizer in the electronic cigarette, the method further comprises:after initiating the atomizer, determining a real-time output powercorresponding to the determined pressure differential according to acorresponding relationship between stored pressure differentials andoutput powers; outputting the real-time output power corresponding tothe determined pressure differential to the atomizer, such that theatomizer generates a certain amount of aerosol that is corresponding tothe real-time output power.